Ten Steps to Escaping the Job World and Creating the Life You Really Want

There is no ''right way'' to make the transition to an independent career, but there are certain steps you can take to make the transition as easy as possible. The following steps may prove useful in taking the first steps.

If you were to look back on your life in old age, do you think you would have anything differently? As radical as it may sound, some people say it helps to have a photo of your own funeral to prod you onto your search for the perfect life. How would you like to be remembered? What would you like others to say about you when they think of the life you lived?

The point is, life is too short to spend working hard at a job that pays the bills, but not to feed the spirit. You have every right to pursue your dream job. Whether copy writing, travel writing, or simply, working from home to spend more time with your family, ultimately it depends on you - you - to create the lifestyle you really want.



Get in touch with your passion. Focus less on your pure or technical skills (what you can do) or your resume (what you have done) and instead, try to tune in to what you really love and want to do. What kind of work or lifestyle do you envy? If you want more freedom and control in your work - or simply want to spend more time with your family and have less stress - you have to make this choice. You already have the right tools to get going. It depends on you to make this happen.

Get Real. Launching your own business takes time and effort. For some, it could even mean a decrease in revenue - at least at first. Now is the time to return to the ideal life you have always desired, and ask yourself: ''How much do I really want my ideal life? What am I willing to do or not do for it?''

Stay informed. Change always seems fearsome when you have insufficient or, worse, inaccurate information. Go to the library. Join relevant associations if needed. Talk to people who have started similar businesses. Study materials and check the resources on its web site. Read trade publications. The more you know, the less ''risky'' it will seem.

Get ready. There are many things you can start doing now to prepare for your new life. Take advantage of every training and educational opportunities available, your community, or through your current employer. Spend less and save more. If your dream includes not having to use another necktie or suit covered again, do not spend a dollar in that area.

Seek support. Actively seek out others who help to share your passion for living life on your own terms. Log weekly with other aspiring entrepreneurs to create ideas, share information, set goals, and help each other on track. Meet other students who already have the answers to questions you have. Find out what they are doing to find work and apply it to your own situation.

Getting started. To avoid being overwhelmed - and still move forward - break your larger goal into more manageable parts. So no matter how hectic things get, pledge to adopt at least one activity a day. Even the smallest actions - to record a new idea, reading a single page, or make a phone call - start to add up. And once you get the ball rolling, it is hard to stop!

Be grateful. At the same time, you are setting your sights on achieving your future goal, be aware of how much abundance you have in your life now! Changing course is a journey. Count your blessings and enjoy the ride.